CD reviews: New track for Amos Lee

Thursday

Jun 26, 2008 at 12:01 AMJun 26, 2008 at 12:19 AM

AMOS LEE“Last Days at the Lodge”(Blue Note)Grade: B

Those who know Lee as the soulful crooner who sings “Arms of a Woman” will be surprised to hear the Philly musician singing songs about infidelity (“What’s Been Going On”) and feeling that a relationship is doomed (“Better Days”).

Eddie Shoebang

AMOS LEE
“Last Days at the Lodge”
(Blue Note)
Grade: B

Those who know Lee as the soulful crooner who sings “Arms of a Woman” will be surprised to hear the Philly musician singing songs about infidelity (“What’s Been Going On”) and feeling that a relationship is doomed (“Better Days”). And it isn’t all about love either. Lee expounds on the criminal justice system (and how it treats ex-cons) in “Street Corner Preacher,” a rousing, instantly engaging track. However, as if placating the people who know him for “Arms,” Lee has the soft, love ballad “Baby I Want You.” But on an album that has so much else to say, the song almost sounds like an afterthought.

JESSIE BAYLIN
“Firesight”
(Verge)
Grade: B-

There’s an easy flow to Baylin’s second album (her first was “You” and only available on iTunes). It’s easily accessible, probably because of Baylin’s voice, which resembles country Shelby Lynne’s voice after a night of whiskey. The track “Was I On Your Mind” has that special quality that makes it appropriate for country radio and an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” But Baylin isn’t country. “Lonely Heave” is a piano-based lamentation that would be at home on a Martha Wainwright album. “I’ll Cry for the Both of Us” has elements of a soft R&B tune. Unfortunately, nothing really sticks out. Though the album overall is an enjoyable listen, it still feels like there’s a part of Baylin we’re not hearing.

WEEZER
“WEEZER” (the red album)
(Geffen Records)
Grade: B+

In the infectious and raucous single “Pork & Beans,” Rivers sings, “Timberland knows the way to reach the top of the charts/ Maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art.” Clearly, that’s not necessary since Weezer has now become the kings of the catchy rock tune. Yet, their nerdy undertones amazingly appeal to fans of “The Hills” and Digg users at the same time. The album straddles those two worlds, from the equally catchy “Troublemaker” to the strangely epic, “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived,” a song that includes a police siren, spoken word, and an ending that has the boys singing in a choir. But most telling is “Heart Songs,” where Rivers slows it down for a personal track about the songs that inspired him throughout the years (and apparently it was Nirvana that lit the fire under the young Cuomo). There’s lots of experimentation on “Red,” and, assuming there are more albums coming, this CD could be viewed as a turning point for the band.

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